155: It Seems she Misunderstood…
In that case, she should share her happiness with someone else. Then, Dylan slowly began to speak.
“—Continuing where we left off…”
“Yes?”
Avril blinked, wondering what they were talking about. Dylan reached out tuck the strands of her hair sticking to her check due to the sea breeze and tucked them behind her ear with a chuckle.
“Didn’t you misunderstand? You thought the former duke’s former-mistresses would live in a separate building at the townhouse in the royal capital.”
“Eh? I misunderstood?”
Avril hadn’t heard anything about that. Then where on earth would they live? Avril was so surprised that she was dumbfounded. Dylan told her with a sigh.
“Isn’t that obvious? Why do you think we’re demolishing that annex? We’ve found temporary residences for them, so it won’t turn out the way Avril thinks it will.”
“…Then, I don’t have to take on the role of leading everyone, who are obviously more experienced than me…”
“That’s right.”
“Lord Dylan won’t have to show them equal favor, either.”
“Indeed. I mean, no matter how you look at it, isn’t that just plain outrageous?”
If she thought about it calmly, it was certainly preposterous. Why on earth did she jump to such a conclusion? Avril felt embarrassed and laughed.
“It seems that my worries were unfounded.”
“Was it bothering you?”
“Yes, to a certain extent. I’d feel bad for the mistresses because my level of experience is far below theirs.”
“…Is that so? Avril never gets attached to anything.”
“? If that ‘attachment’ is referring to Lord Dylan, then you’re mistaken.”
When she told him that, Dylan looked at her in surprise.
“Avril can be jealous?”
“I trust Lord Dylan. I’d certainly feel lonely if we had less time together, but I don’t doubt your feelings. It is the reason why I was able to stay calm despite accidentally being captured on the Victoria.”
“How carefree… Well, you always are, but I don’t understand what you mean.”
Seeing Dylan grinning bitterly for her own sake made Avril feel ticklish. Unsure if he was praising or scolding her, Avril bowed her head and asked a favor.
“If there’s anything I’m lacking, please let me know whenever you can. Actually, I’m a bit nervous about dancing with Dylan at the upcoming party. I’ve had some intensive training from my teacher, but this will be my first time. I apologize if I cause you any trouble.”
“It’ll be a very private party for the people of the mansion. There’s nothing to be nervous about.”
“Hehe. I’m very happy. This will be my first time dancing with Lord Dylan at a party in the main mansion.”
“I see.”
Actually, Avril had just heard that Dylan would be returning to the royal capital in about a week.
This decision was apparently made after the Victoria incident had been resolved, and various things related to the abolition of the annex were finalized. As a result, an evening party was being held on the eve of the departure for the royal capital to also introduce Avril.
Avril started to feel agitated inside when she heard this.
“The former duke will be absent and confined to his room. Although his name was on the client list of the criminal organization, it was proven that he never did business with them. As such, he wasn’t charged, but he seems to understand that this incident was his own fault… It was a roundabout way of saying it, but this was the first time he ever apologized for anything.”
“!? The former duke!? That’s surprising…!”
“I never thought that the day would come when he’d even reflect on his past behavior. Well, I have no intention of forgiving him, and our relationship will never change.”
Looking at Dylan’s profile, which seemed somewhat lonely and frustrated, she could clearly see the hardship he had endured over the past 23 years.
The emotions that Lord Dylan has experienced so far can’t be forgiven with just one or two apologies or reflections. I’ve experienced something similar.
Avril held Dylan’s hand.
“No matter how much of an apology you receive, there’re some people you’ll never be able to forgive. I think that’s fine. I’ll always be on your side, Lord Dylan.”
“…Thank you.”
The words he spoke slowly, as if savoring something, melted into the warm sunlight filtering through the trees of the forest.
This is where Lord Dylan spent his childhood. The place must be full of memories for him…
She felt as though she had touched a weak spot of the always flawless Dylan. Thinking about this, Avril found the sight of the mansion very endearing.
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